Mainspring
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Mainspring is a noun meaning (horology) The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, which drives it by uncoiling.
Meaning
(horology) The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, which drives it by uncoiling.
More Meanings
- (figuratively) The most important reason for, or element of, something.
Example Sentences
My daughter is the mainspring of my life.
But in the England of Shakespeare’s history plays, the mainspring of the system has broken down.
He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away.
Word Forms
- mainsprings
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include motor, linchpin, engine, backbone, watchspring, clockspring.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.